Best homemade dairy-free waffles that are light and fluffy with crispy, golden edges. Top with fresh fruit and maple syrup for the ultimate breakfast or brunch! They're freezer-friendly.
The best fluffy dairy-free waffles recipe
I cannot get enough of these waffles - they are super fluffy and golden with crispy edges and soft middles. It's impossible to tell that they are dairy-free, and crazy how delicious they are! If you're dairy-free, you must try these oat milk pancakes, chocolate baked oats, homemade apple cider donuts, and protein mug cake.
Dairy-free waffles are easy to make in under 20 minutes and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can top them with anything. I love fresh berries, air fryer apples, dairy-free whipped topping, and maple syrup - but seriously, the sky is the limit!
This waffle recipe is the best because you can freeze leftovers for meal prep and enjoy them for up to 3 months. You can quickly reheat frozen waffles in the air fryer, toaster, oven, or microwave. I left detailed instructions below!
Anyways, I cannot wait to hear what you think about this recipe. This is my family's favorite waffles recipe!
Why you'll love this dairy-free recipe:
- You can't tell these fluffy buttermilk waffles are dairy-free.
- They have light, fluffy, and soft middles.
- The waffles are perfectly golden with crispy edges.
- This recipe calls for 8 ingredients.
- Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
- Kids will love them.
- Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
- Try these dairy-free flourless banana oat waffles or these oat milk pancakes.
Taste & texture
These dairy-free waffles taste like classic buttermilk waffles. The primary flavor comes from vanilla extract and vegan butter. They are not overly sweet, and you can add any topping you want.
Once cooked, these waffles are extra fluffy and light with soft, moist middles. They are not dry or dense. They have crisp, buttery edges too.
Ingredients needed & substitutions
This dairy-free waffles recipe calls for eight simple ingredients. You'll need flour, eggs, oat or almond milk, vegan butter, and a few other ingredients. Here is a list of all the ingredients so you are prepared:
- Flour: You need regular all-purpose flour. You can also use cake flour or pastry flour if needed.
- Sugar: This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of granular sugar. It's not a lot, and you can substitute it with coconut sugar or light brown sugar.
- Baking Powder: Make sure to use baking powder, not baking soda! This makes these waffles extra fluffy.
- Eggs: You need two eggs to help bind the batter together and get the dairy-free waffles to rise.
- Oat or Almond Milk: I love oat milk, but unsweetened vanilla or plain almond milk works too.
- Vegan Butter: I used unsalted vegan butter, but you can also use salted butter. If you use salted butter, leave off the additional salt called for in the recipe. Earth Balance or Mykono's are the best dairy-free butter brands. STAY AWAY from dairy-free margarine spread like "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla goes a long way flavor-wise.
Kitchen tools required
You only need a few kitchen utensils to make these homemade dairy-free buttermilk waffles. Here is a list:
- Two Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Waffle Iron or Mini Waffle Maker
- Spatula
- Measuring Tools: ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 tablespoon, ¼ cup, ½ cup, and 1 cup.
How to make dairy-free waffles
These fluffy dairy-free waffles are so easy to make! You will be in and out of the kitchen in less than 20 minutes, plus clean up will be easy. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
First, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then mix in the oat milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla.
Step 3:
Then, add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and whisk gently until a batter is formed; some small lumps are OK! Ensure you do not over-mix the batter – it will make the waffles tough. If needed, add 1 – 3 Tablespoons more oat milk if the batter is too thick. Check the reference pictures to see the correct batter consistency.
Step 4:
Heat a waffle iron (or a mini waffle maker) and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or vegan butter—once hot, spoon batter into the iron. Close the waffle iron and cook until golden brown, and the center is cooked through.
Tip: The amount of batter and cook time depends on the size and strength of your waffle iron. For best results, follow the time recommended by your waffle maker.
Step 5:
Repeat until you've used all your batter, and let dairy-free waffles sit for 1 – 2 minutes before serving warm with toppings of your choice – I love extra banana slices, fresh fruit, and whipped cream!
Expert recipe tips for dairy-free waffles
- Avoid overmixing the batter. This is my #1 tip for waffles. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Overmixing will result in dense and tough waffles.
- Stay away from margarine spread. It's not the same as vegan "baking" butter and will give these waffles a weird flavor. Do not use “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter" spread!
- Use vegan butter or coconut oil. You can use either for this dairy-free recipe! I love vegan (plant-based) butter because it gives these waffles the best flavor, but you can also use coconut oil since it is also dairy free. Earth Balance or Mykono's are the best dairy-free butter brands.
- Check the freshness of your baking powder. If your baking powder is expired or old, the dairy-free waffles will not rise! They will be dense and stoggy.
- Make sure the iron is hot when you add the batter. If not, the waffles will be soggy and will not get crispy edges.
- Wipe the waffle iron between batches. I always wipe down the iron with a paper towel between batches; then I add fresh butter or cooking oil, let it heat up, and continue making waffles. This ensures the fluffiest waffles without the taste of burned butter.
- Let the waffles cool. I know it's hard to wait, but ensure you give your waffles 1 - 2 minutes to cool before serving. This gives them that classic crunchy outside and perfectly fluffy, soft inside.
- Make the gluten-free. To make these waffles gluten-free, use this gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Do not use almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour.
Topping for waffles:
- Banana slices
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries)
- Air fryer fruit (air fryer apple, air fryer pears, or air fryer pineapples)
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Chocolate chips
- Nutella
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Berry syrups
- Fruit jam or preserves
- Caramel sauce (sugar-free if desired)
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped topping
- Yogurt (dairy-free if needed)
- Bacon or sausage
- Chicken (chicken and waffles!)
What to serve with waffles:
These dairy-free waffles go well with so many things; here are a few of my favorites:
- Bacon or sausages
- Eggs or this air fryer frittata or sweet potato quiche
- Yogurt parfait or this banana chia pudding
- Air fryer caramelized fruit - air fryer pineapple, air fryer pears,
- With smoothies - banana mango strawberry smoothie, acai bowl, oat milk smoothie, mango pineapple smoothie, or blueberry banana smoothie
- With pastries or sweet treats - blueberry pop tarts, blueberry scones, brioche french toast casserole, or monkey bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Is powdered sugar dairy free?
Yes, powdered sugar (also called Confectioner's Sugar) is 100% dairy-free.
What is the best dairy-free milk for baking?
Oat milk is the best dairy-free milk for baking because its creamy consistency is the closest substitute to cow's milk. The next best substitute is almond milk.
Can I use pancake mix for waffles?
Yes! You can make waffles with pancake milk too.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for another type of flour?
You can use cake flour, pastry flour, white whole wheat, or whole wheat flour. Be aware that whole wheat flour will change the taste of the waffles.
Can I make mini waffles?
Yes! I love using this mini waffle iron to make mini waffles. It's perfect for kids and is the ideal snack size for anyone.
Is oat milk dairy-free?
Yes, oat milk is 100% dairy free.
Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
To make these waffles gluten-free, use this gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Do not use almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour. If you want to make almond flour waffles try this recipe. If you're going to make oat flour waffles make this recipe.
Why waffles are better than pancakes?
This is a personal opinion. I believe waffles are better than pancakes because of their texture. Waffles are thinner, have crisper edges, and have a soft and fluffy middle. On the other hand, pancakes are thicker, and their texture is generally cakey and soft.
How to store, freeze, and reheat:
Storing: If you have leftovers, store the dairy-free waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover waffles. Let them cool to room temperature, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze waffles for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy one, place a frozen waffle on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30 - 60 seconds until warm. You can also reheat in the air fryer or oven at 275°F for 5 - 7 minutes until warm.
Reheating: For best results, reheat them in the microwave for 30 – 90 seconds until warm, in the fryer at 275°F for 5 minutes, or in the toaster oven at 275°F for 5 - 10 minutes.
If you loved this recipe, try these next!
- Flourless Banana Oat Waffles
- Nutella Waffles
- Dairy Free Banana Bread
- Oat Milk Pancakes
- French Toast Bagels
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Best Dairy-Free Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder, (yes 1 Tablespoon!)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ⅔ cups oat milk or almond milk
- 6 tablespoon melted vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then mix in the oat milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, and whisk gently until a batter is formed, some small lumps are OK! Do not over-mix – it will make the waffles tough. Add 1 – 3 Tablespoons more of oat milk if the batter is too thick.
- Heat a waffle iron (or a mini waffle maker) and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or vegan butter. Once hot, spoon batter into the iron. Close the waffle iron a cook until golden brown and the center is cooked through. Tip: The amount of batter and cook time depends on the size and strength of your waffle iron. For best results, follow the time recommended by your waffle maker.
- Repeat until you’ve used all your batter.
- Let waffles sit for 1 – 2 minutes before serving warm with toppings of your choice – I love extra banana slices, fresh fruit, and whipped cream!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Michelle says
I've made these the last few weekends and they're great! Love the super simple ingredients and I just do it all in one large glass bowl so less dishes too. Melt the butter in the microwave, add the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and whisk until smooth. then sprinkle the flour and baking powder on top then whisk just until incorporated. Love it, thank you!